Washing machine not draining: causes and fixes
A washing machine left full of water at the end of a cycle is almost always the victim of a blocked drain filter. That is the first thing to check, and it is a ten-minute job anyone can do.
Safety first
Unplug the machine before opening the filter flap, and have a shallow tray and towels ready: several litres of water can come out.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
Blocked drain filter
very commonHow to check: Open the flap at the bottom front of the machine and unscrew the filter. Coins, hair grips, hair and lint collect there.
Fix: Drain the water via the small hose, unscrew the filter, clean it, and check the housing is clear.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 2
Drain hose kinked or set too high
commonHow to check: Check behind the machine that the hose isn't crushed, and that it isn't positioned more than a metre above the floor.
Fix: Straighten the hose and respect the height the manufacturer specifies (often 60 to 100 cm).
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 3
Drain pump jammed or worn
commonHow to check: With the filter out, turn the pump impeller with your finger: it should spin freely. A hum with no draining means the pump is straining.
Fix: Remove whatever is jamming it, or replace the pump if it no longer turns.
ModerateEstimated cost: 30 to 70 € for the part, 120 to 250 € including labour - 4
Faulty pressure switch
less commonHow to check: The machine thinks the drum is empty (or full) when it isn't: cycles run oddly with no visible mechanical fault.
Fix: Replace the pressure switch, preferably through a repairer.
ProfessionalEstimated cost: 100 to 180 € fitted
If you take this out-of-warranty washing machine to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 50€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 100 to 180 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 50 € |
| What you pay | 50 to 130 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
If the filter and pump are clear and the water still won't go, or if an error code shows, a professional is justified. On a machine under 8 years old, repairing remains far cheaper than replacing.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
Where is the drain filter on a washing machine?
Behind a small flap at the bottom front of the machine, usually on the right. It unscrews by hand anticlockwise. Have a shallow tray ready: several litres of water can come out.
How often should you clean the drain filter?
About every two months. It is the single most important piece of washing machine maintenance: a clean filter prevents most draining faults and extends the pump's life.
Your washing machine may be nearing the end of its life: a washing machine lasts 8 to 11 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.